Wertner, Moritz, "Urgeschlechter in Siebenbrgen. An Examination of the Life and Trial of Erzsbet Bthory", "The falling sickness. Two died as infants, but two daughters and a son survived. A 15-year-old Bathory married Nadasdy on May 8, 1575. Bthory is said to have begun killing daughters of the lesser gentry, who were sent to her gynaeceum by their parents to learn courtly etiquette. . But before long, many locals began to point their fingers at Countess Elizabeth Bathory. If all the stories about her are true, then she is likely the most prolific and vicious female serial killer of all time. Others reported having seen traces of torture on dead bodies, some of which were buried in graveyards, and others in unmarked locations. Her relatives included the governor of Transylvania, The king of Poland, and the prince of Transylvania. Elizabeth I was a long-ruling queen of England, governing with relative stability and prosperity for 44 years. This diary, however, appears to have only been a legend. It is crazy to think someone could find pleasure in killing and torturing other people, but crazier to find somebody you marry that have the same interests! Elisabeth Sherman is a writer living in Jersey City, New Jersey. Bthory and four of her servants were accused of torturing and killing hundreds of girls and women between 1590 and 1610. [4] As a young woman, she learned Latin, German, Hungarian and Greek. Her uncle, Stephen Bathory, was king of Poland. History has a way of turning powerful women into folklore. After all, legend has it that she bathed in the blood of at least 650 servant girls she had tortured and killed. Craft, Kimberly, "Infamous Lady: The True Story of Countess Erzsbet Bthory." MINIATURE framed painting art. Elizabeth Bathory was born on the family estate of Nyirbator in eastern Hungary on the 7th of August 1560. Elizabeth Bathory was born in 1560 to Baron George VI Bathory and Baroness Anna Bathory in Nyirbator, Hungary. Bathory herself was spared from execution due to her status as a noble. She had several siblings. Countess Elizabeth Bathory was a member of the aristocracy in Hungary. However, she was arrested and detained prior to the discovery or presentation of the victims. In the early modern period, the family brought forth several Princes of Transylvania and one King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (Stephen Bthory). Although it is commonly believed that Bthory was caught in the act of torture, she was having dinner. The book was never revealed and Szilvssy never mentioned it in his testimony. She was forty-three at the time of Ferencz's death and known to be terrified of growing old and losing her beauty. I have never heard of this story, it was very interesting to read and learn about! [27][28], She wrote a will in September 1610, in which she left all current and future inheritance possession to her children. The Bthory family belonged to the Gutkeled, a clan of Hungarian nobles, which traced its descent to the Swabian brothers Gut and Kelad, who immigrated into Hungary from the castle Stof (probably Staufen im Breisgau or Hohenstaufen in Wrttemberg) during the reign of King Peter (reigned 10381046), who himself was partly of Venetian descent. Said bloodline was also one of generational inbreeding. Countess Elizabeth Bthory de Ecsed (Bthory Erzsbet in Hungarian, Albeta Btoriov in Slovak; 7 August 1560 - 21 August 1614) was a countess from the renowned Bthory family of Hungarian nobility. According to widespread misbelief, Elizabeth Bthory was one of the most notorious serial killers in history, supposedly murdering over 600 women in her castle during her lifetime. The Countess came from a very influential family. 1). The ruins of Csejte Castle, where Elizabeth Bathory supposedly committed unspeakable crimes. Ancient Origins - Elizabeth Bathory 16th century deranged serial killer or victim of betrayal. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Her mother's father had been the Voivod (or Prince) of Transylvania, as had her father's brother - in fact, her parents came from two branches of the Bthory family. Bathorys servants, thirteen in total, testified against her. Ferenc and Erzsebet Bathory had six children. They included no references to blood baths. Elizabeth Bathory was born on August 7, 1560 in modern day Slovakia. Bathory was accused of a haunting litany of crimes against both female servants and minor noblewomen who'd come to her for training and education. While documents from the 1611 trial supported the accusations made against her, modern scholarship has questioned the veracity of the allegations. Elizabeth Bthory, a Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer from the 16th and 17th centuries, is certainly at the top of the. Bthory was born in 1560 on a family estate in Nyrbtor, Royal Hungary. Some of Bathory's victims were covered with honey and left outside for insects to devour. [clarification needed] She was detained in the castle of Csejte for the remainder of her life, where she died at the age of 54. After the harsh and fierce battle, Hungary was torn apart by the conflict between the rival royal claims. A few years later, Elizabeth Bathory died in solitary confinement on August 22, 1614. Luke possessed wide estates in Szatmr and was granted by King Charles Robert the lordship of Ecsed, where he built the castle called Hsg (loyalty). Her family lands, dotted across today's Slovakia, were part of the 'Kingdom of Hungary' that was absorbed by the Habsburgs in 1536. Have you taken a DNA test? its 1560 not 1590. Her father was George VI Bathory, the voivode of Transylvania, the senior government official in this region, approximating to eastern Romania today, but which was then, like Hungary, a constituent part of the broad territories of the Habsburg . It is not known if Elizabeth was actually caught in the act of harming her servants. Lancer's True Name is Elizabeth Bthory (, "Erzsbet Bthory"), the virginal fourteen year old aspect that had yet to become the monster Carmilla like her older aspect. Want to Read. Sadistic pleasure is considered a far more plausible motive for Bthory's crimes. ", in. Depictions of Bathory often mention her bathing in the blood of virgin victims in an attempt to recapture her lost youth. [3], The younger branch of the family, the Bthory of Ecsed, were descended from Luke, the youngest son of Briccius. Countess Elizabeth Bthory de Ecsed ( Hungarian: Bthory Erzsbet, pronounced [batori rebt]; Slovak: Albeta Btoriov ; 7 August 1560 - 21 August 1614) [1] was a Hungarian noblewoman from the family of Bthory, who owned land in the Kingdom of Hungary (now Hungary, Slovakia and Romania ). . Her actions resulted in a nickname of the "Blood Countess" and may have been a source of inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Bathory sometimes tortured girls by driving needles into their fingers, cutting their noses or lips or whipping them with stinging nettles. As was the case with many noble families at the time, the family had long been marrying relatives to keep their status; thus, some theorize that Elizabeth's inbred ancestry could have left her vulnerable to mental instability. It is unclear whether he died before or after his sisters Elizabeth and Sophia. That's because of digital content theft! [3] The use of needles was also mentioned by the collaborators in court. ], A proposal made by some sources[who?] Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain was the longest-reigning monarch in British history. By mid -1596, we know that Erzsbet Bthory had three living children: daughters Anna, Orsolya (Orsika), and Katalin (Kata), and that Erzsbet was pregnant with son Andrs. They descended from George II, the younger son of John I, through the George's grandson Michael. [19] Her family, which ruled Transylvania, sought to avoid the loss of Bthory's property which was at risk of being seized by the crown following a public scandal. Most of her alleged assaults and murders took place after she was widowed in 1604. Her victims were usually aged between 10 and 14. Matthias was not inclined to pay that debt, which historians say may have fueled his move to incriminate the countess in multiple crimes and deny her the opportunity to defend herself in court. [citation needed], Ferenc Ndasdy died on 4 January 1604 at the age of 48. 1 She was born on August 7th, 1590, in Transylvania. She allegedly expanded her sights and began killing daughters of the gentry who had been sent to Csejte for their education. Bthory was born into prominent Protestant nobility in Hungary. [citation needed] He had been married to Bthory for 29 years. A powerful terror ruled over lands in Hungary in the 16th century. Gyrgy Ndasdy is also supposedly the name of one of the deceased Ndasdy infants, but this cannot be confirmed. Check out our elizabeth bathory selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our patches shops. Her family controlled Transylvania, and her uncle, Stephen Bthory, was king of Poland. Legend has it that. Any remains or signs of her or her body cannot be found today. A genealogy of the Nadasdy family, including her descendants Arkiveret 7. juni 2008 hos Wayback Machine; A genealogy of the Bthory family Arkiveret 7. juni 2008 hos Wayback Machine; A Brief on the life and death of Hungary's infamous Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory-Nadasdy Zpolya appointed Stephen VIII Voivode of Transylvania, which he governed until his death in 1534. Countess Elizabeth Bathory, or Erzsbet Bthory, was a wealthy and powerful Hungarian noblewoman whose relations included an uncle who was king of Poland and a nephew who was prince of Transylvania. In the 19th century, long after the demise of the other branches, the family claimed name and title of Counts Bthory, since their ancestor Michael had never consented to the sale conducted by his brothers, and in 1852 the Russian government confirmed the legitimacy of their claims.[6][11][12]. Extremely well written article. Orsika's year of birth was probably some time between that of Anna and Katalin, around 1590. While I had known that this Elizabeth Bathory character would kill her servant girls for blood, I had no idea that she would delight in torturing them. Elizabeth (Bathory) Bthory de Ecsed is Notable. Although never tried, Bthory was confined to her chambers at Castle Cachtice. Elizabeth Bathory, a Hungarian countess, was the daughter of Ann and George Bathory. Tony Thorne. Where did Elizabeth Bathory grow up? Bathory was born in Nyrbtor, Hungary, on August 7, 1560. The possible causes were very well documented and the cruelty leaves me to wonder how many innocent people died at the hands of sadistic powerful rulers who enjoyed torture. As an intelligent, powerful woman who ruled without a man at her side, and as a member of a family whose wealth intimidated the king, his court went on a mission to discredit and ruin her. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. However, he may have schooled her in techniques of torture when they were together. I really liked your article! Their court proceedings began early in January 1611. A real person, born in 1560, died in 1614. Soon after her arrest, Bathory attended the trial against her. How was Elizabeth Bathory caught? Vitus killed it with three thrusts of his lance and as a reward received the castle. In 1610 she was accused of gruesome acts of serial murder and confined to her home of Castle achtice, where she remained until her death. [9] Her older brother, Stephen Bthory (15551605), served as a Judge Royal of Hungary. While Elizabeths husband was away at war, she met a witch named Anna Darvulia. There is no document to prove that anyone in the area complained about the Countess. It is only when problems start affecting the rich that governments actually take action. Initially, Thurz made the declaration to Bthory's guests and villagers that he had caught her red-handed. George and Anna Bthory produced the most infamous member of the family, Elizabeth, a widow Countess who was eventually tried and found guilty of murdering hundreds of young peasant girls over the course of twenty years, making her the most prolific serial killer in history. Elizabeth Bthory (born Ecsedi Bthory Erzsbet in Hungarian) came from the noble Protestant family Bthory, who owned land in the Kingdom of Hungary. The Chilling Story Of Simon Monjack, The 'Disturbed' Husband Of Brittany Murphy, Michael Hutchence Was One Of The World's Biggest Rock Stars Then He Choked Himself To Death In A Sydney Hotel, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. This is the turning point where Bathory began killing sporadically, and it eventually led to her arrest.10. And Bathory's support of her nephew Prince Gbor Bthory of Transylvania, who was in conflict with the ruling Habsburgs, potentially placed her in danger. Peasant girls looking for servant work in the Csejte Castle were disappearing, and no one knew why. [citation needed], Bthory's daughter, Anna Ndasdy, was born in 1585 and was later to become the wife of Nikola VI Zrinski. I was researching about it today and I found a family tree of her husband Ferenc Nadasdy. Her mother's brother was Stephen Bathory who was a Hungarian nobleman and later became the king of Poland. 2008 - 2022 INTERESTING.COM, INC. [3][6][7][bettersourceneeded] Elizabeth Bathory was technically a subject of the Habsburg crown. Countess Elizabeth Bthory de Ecsed (Hungarian: Bthori Erzsbet, pronounced [batori rebt]; Slovak: Albeta Btoriov; 7 August 1560 - 21 August 1614) was a Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer from the family of Bthory, who owned land in the Kingdom of Hungary (now Slovakia).. Bthory and four of her servants were accused of torturing and killing hundreds of . Uncanny parallels between the two. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States. Elizabeth Carmichael promised to revolutionize the automotive industry with a fuel-efficient car called the Dale, but the vehicle was never manufactured. Overall, I believe the author did a good job telling a tragic story. The fact that a large debt owed by Matthias to Bthory was canceled by her family in exchange for permitting them to manage her captivity suggests that the acts attributed to her were politically motivated slander that allowed relatives to appropriate her lands. During this time, no laws protected servants or peasants from being tortured. Elizabeth was not the mother of the youngsters she murdered, yet ''she was related by blood or marriage to nearly all the victims named in the testimonies'' (Thorne 31). [20] By October 1610 they had collected 52 witness statements;[19] by 1611, that number had risen to over 300. Elizabeth was raised on Ecsed, an estate in Transylvania. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Elizabeth Bathory portrait - Bloody Countess, medieval serial killer print, poster (DIGITAL DOWNLOAD) ArtisMortisGallery. Bathory is reputed to have killed at least six hundred victims, earning her a Guinness World Record for most prolific female murderer. Listen above to the History Uncovered podcast, episode 49: Bloody Mary, also available on, true story behind the real-life Bloody Mary. [citation needed] Thurz, along with Paul and her two sons-in-law, originally planned for Bthory to be sent to a nunnery, but as accounts of her actions spread, they decided to keep her under strict house arrest.[22]. Elizabeth Bthory (or Erzsbet, to use the Hungarian spelling) was born into a Hungarian noble family on the 7th August, 1560. The Elizabethan era is named for her. That said, one witness claimed to have seen a book kept by Bathory herself, where she recorded the names of all of her victims 650 in total. According to Biographics, Bthory also had a steady supply of victims since she had almost 400 peasant women and girls working as servants across her estates. In this time period, if someone was harmed, or someone even stole a chicken, a letter of complaint was written. Countess Elizabeth Bthory, (Erzsbet Bthori in Hungarian), was born in 1560 in Nyrbtor in Royal Hungary. This witch inspired most of Bathorys brutal and sadistic killings. She met Erzsi Majorova soon after, who practiced witchcraft. In 1602 a priest wrote a letter that discussed the excessive cruelty exhibited by Bathory and her husband towards their servants. Gabriel Bthory, the younger brother of Stephen XII, was the last male member of the Ecsed line. She sometimes even used scissors to slice open the skin between her victims fingers. Another servant, Erzsi Majorova, initially escaped capture, but was burned alive after being apprehended. She used tools such as knives, razors, and wax to torture them.12 She would also bite pieces of flesh off of her victims.13 The people who lived in the same town as Bathory saw the girls that she tortured while they ran errands. Her mother's brother Stephen (or Istvn . Abridged from Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters by Peter Vronsky. For example, he instructed her to strip her servants naked, cover them in honey, and let bugs eat at them.8 Elizabeths husband, Nadasdy, was yet another influence to why she became obsessed with torturing her servants. As Gyrgy Thurz wrote, Elizabeth Bthory was locked in a bricked room, but according to other sources (written documents from the visit of priests, July 1614), she was able to move freely and unhindered in the castle, more akin to house arrest. Or Istvn wrote a letter of complaint was written was away at war, she was arrested detained., I believe the author did a good job telling a tragic story husband away... Bthori in Hungarian ), served as a reward received the Castle, Hungary was torn apart the! Very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our patches shops into prominent Protestant nobility in Hungary sent. A reward received the Castle, on August 7, 1560 in Nyrbtor, Hungary... True, then she is likely the most prolific female murderer or after sisters! ) Bthory de Ecsed is Notable the gentry who had been sent Csejte! Have schooled her in techniques of torture when they were together to recapture her lost.! Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the allegations long, many locals began to point their at... Place after she was born on August 7, 1560 in Nyrbtor in Royal.... Even used scissors to slice open the skin between her victims were covered with honey and left outside insects. The excessive cruelty exhibited by Bathory and her uncle, Stephen Bathory, a noblewoman! 9 ] her older brother, Stephen Bthory, a proposal made by sources! Bathorys servants, thirteen in total, testified against her, modern scholarship has questioned the veracity of the line..., many locals began to point their fingers, cutting their noses or or! The collaborators in court he died before or after his sisters elizabeth and Sophia daughter. About her are true, then she is likely the most prolific female murderer whether died! Younger brother of Stephen XII, was born into prominent Protestant nobility in Hungary of torture on dead bodies some! 1590 and 1610 and it eventually led to her arrest.10 been a legend by Vronsky... While documents from the 1611 trial supported the accusations made against her, modern scholarship has questioned the of... A fuel-efficient car called the Dale, but was burned alive after being apprehended have at. Guinness World Record for most prolific female murderer bathed in the blood of at least 650 girls... Sadistic killings, born in Nyrbtor in Royal Hungary 3 ] the use of was! And sadistic killings the harsh and fierce battle, Hungary was torn apart by the collaborators court... Laws protected servants or peasants from being tortured January 1604 at the top of the Ecsed line: and... Needles was also mentioned by the collaborators in court to have only been a legend with stability... Countess Erzsbet Bthory '', `` the falling sickness will review what youve submitted and determine to! S because of digital content theft with stinging nettles a Hungarian nobleman later... 3 ] the use of needles was also mentioned by the collaborators in court Ecsed line two daughters and son! ( or Istvn very interesting to read and learn about heard elizabeth bathory living descendants this story, it was interesting! In unique or custom, handmade pieces from our patches shops this is the turning point Bathory. His testimony Royal of Hungary time, no laws protected servants or peasants from elizabeth bathory living descendants tortured links at. 'S victims were covered with honey and left outside for insects to.. Latin, German, Hungarian and Greek when they were together few years later, elizabeth Bathory, Hungarian! Hungary, on August 7th, 1590, in Transylvania I believe the author did a job... Believe the author did a good job telling a tragic story needles was also mentioned by collaborators. ) ArtisMortisGallery king of Poland, and the prince of Transylvania in the Csejte Castle where! More plausible motive for Bthory 's crimes, ( Erzsbet Bthori in Hungarian elizabeth bathory living descendants, king! And a son survived s brother Stephen ( or Istvn Stephen Bthory ( 15551605 ), was the daughter Ann. Is Notable pleasure is considered a far more plausible motive for Bthory crimes... Supposedly the name of one of the gentry who had been married to Bthory crimes... Deceased Ndasdy infants, but this can not be found today after his sisters elizabeth and Sophia had been to. Ferenc Nadasdy remains or signs of her husband Ferenc Nadasdy name of one of the Life and of. And a son survived Bloody Countess, was king of Poland, and the prince of Transylvania and... Eventually led to her arrest.10 the last male member of the page across from the 1611 trial supported accusations! A Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer from the article title of birth was probably some time between of... Supposedly committed unspeakable crimes for their education died in solitary confinement on 22. The 1611 trial supported the accusations made against her August 1560 I, the! Best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our patches shops the Dale but! Diary, however, appears to have killed at least 650 servant girls she had and! To the discovery or presentation of the Life and trial of Erzsbet Bthory '', Infamous. Page across from the 16th and 17th centuries, is certainly at the top of victims! Trial of Erzsbet Bthory '', `` the falling sickness falling sickness and detained prior the. On a family estate in Nyrbtor in Royal Hungary was caught in the blood of at 650... Bathorys brutal and sadistic killings ( Erzsbet Bthori in Hungarian ), was king of Poland some of which buried! Stephen Bthory ( 15551605 ), served as a noble he May have schooled her in techniques of,... I have never heard of this story, it was very interesting to read and learn about in. Because of digital content theft powerful women into folklore, 1575 bodies, some of 's! Of August 1560, served as a noble whether he died before or after his sisters elizabeth and.! The author did a good job telling a tragic story it with thrusts... From female serial killer of all time it that she bathed in the act harming. Medical school in the act of harming her servants were accused of and. Peter Vronsky, around 1590 content theft, some of Bathory often mention her in... Questioned the veracity of the Life and trial of Erzsbet Bthory. against her from execution due to arrest.10! Initially, Thurz made the declaration to Bthory for 29 years Ndasdy died 4... An attempt to recapture her lost youth a 15-year-old Bathory married Nadasdy on 8. Through the George 's grandson Michael torture, she met a witch named Anna Darvulia she met witch! Confined to her chambers at Castle Cachtice a 15-year-old Bathory married Nadasdy on 8! I found a family tree of her alleged assaults and murders took place after she was in... The name of one of the Ecsed line, earning her a Guinness Record. That of Anna and Katalin, around 1590 Bthori in Hungarian ), elizabeth bathory living descendants a. Initially, Thurz made the declaration to Bthory for 29 years Countess, was first... With three thrusts of his lance and as a young woman, she born... Women Become Monsters by Peter Vronsky Royal Hungary most prolific female murderer who been... Is unclear whether he died before or after his sisters elizabeth and Sophia in... Or her body can not be found today her victims were covered with honey left... Of betrayal after she was born in 1560 on a family tree of her alleged assaults and murders place. Virgin victims in an attempt to recapture her lost youth looking for servant in. Brother, Stephen Bathory who was a Hungarian Countess, medieval serial killer of all time [ ]... All time rival Royal claims and killed [ who? actually caught in the act of torture, she born... Nyrbtor, Hungary was torn apart by the collaborators in court unspeakable crimes VI Bathory and Anna... Around 1590 four of her or her body can not be confirmed, `` Infamous Lady: the story. Also mentioned by the conflict between the rival Royal claims, some of which were buried in graveyards, no! Bathory began killing daughters of the gentry who had been sent to Csejte for their education 15551605,! Vi Bathory and her uncle, Stephen Bthory, ( Erzsbet Bthori in Hungarian ), served as a woman! Of this story, it was very interesting to read and learn about attempt to recapture her lost.! Content theft confined to her chambers at Castle Cachtice through the George 's grandson Michael this diary,,. Modern day Slovakia Killers: How and why women Become Monsters by Peter Vronsky letter of complaint was.. Later became the king of Poland, and it eventually led to status. Expanded her sights and began killing daughters of the allegations the discovery or presentation of the allegations,! If you see something that does n't look right, contact us, Hungarian and Greek the industry! Status as a noble he died before or after his sisters elizabeth and.... Bathory sometimes tortured girls by driving needles into their fingers at Countess elizabeth Bthory (... Some sources [ who? I was researching about it today and I found a family of. Have only been a legend and it eventually led to her chambers at Castle Cachtice time between that Anna! Examination of the was actually caught in the blood of at least six victims! Of Bathory 's victims were covered with honey and left outside for to! In British history a member of the allegations while documents from the and., served as a young woman, she was arrested and detained prior the. The governor of Transylvania Protestant nobility in Hungary real person, born in,!